| Unit name | Algebraic Topology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MATHM1200 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Mark Hagen |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) | |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | School of Mathematics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Unit Aims
The aim of the unit is to give an introduction to algebraic topology with an emphasis on cell complexes, fundamental groups and homology.
Unit Description
Algebraic Topology concerns constructing and understanding topological spaces through algebraic, combinatorial and geometric techniques. In particular, groups are associated to spaces to reveal their essential structural features and to distinguish them. In cruder terms, it is about adjectives that capture and distinguish essential features of spaces.
The theory is powerful. We will give applications including proofs of The Fundamental Theory of Algebra and Brouwer's Fixed Point Theorem (which is important in economics).
Relation to Other Units
This is one of three Level M units which develop group theory in various directions. The others are Representation Theory and Galois Theory.
Learning Objectives
Students should absorb the idea of algebraic invariants to distinguish between complex objects, their geometric intuition should be sharpened, they should have a better appreciation of the interconnectivity of different fields of mathematics, and they should have a keener sense of the power and applicability of abstract theories.
Transferable Skills
Lectures, problem sets and discussion of problems, student presentations.
50% Exam, 50% Coursework - assessed problem sheets
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MATHM1200).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
